Awake, all men! I say again
Be merry as you may!
For Harry our king is gone hunting
To bring the deer to bay.
Little John. This song is well enough in its way, but for me, I should much prefer a good dinner. The morning's work has given me a fine appetite and I long for food.
Robin Hood. It is good to eat, but not before we find some rich traveler to pay the bill. Ride out, my man, and find us a host. Willing or unwilling, bid him come.
Little John. With right good will, my master; and may I soon meet with him!
Robin Hood. Remember well, no farmer shall you bring. He works for what he gets and shall live in peace. And the laborer who toils for wife and child you must not harm. Only those who oppress the poor and weak, those who are selfish and unkind, who play while others weep, these shall you bring to me.
Will Scarlet. But look, my master, what sorrowing knight rides there? His garments are rich and his horse gayly decked, but his countenance is sad and he rides slowly, careless of the way.
Little John. Hail, gentle knight; my master awaits you and fain would have your company at dinner.
The Knight. At dinner,—in the wood! Who is your master?
Little John. Robin Hood is he: and here he is to bid you welcome.
Robin Hood. Welcome, Sir Knight, thrice welcome art thou, for I have fasted beyond the dinner hour. Pray you, dismount.